AliExpress "Dragonfly" 6-string bass Review

It's been a while!! I'm reviewing my new 6-string bass purchased from Music_Heartbeat on AliExpress about a month ago. In a nutshell I'm very impressed with the build quality and feel of this bass. The pickups are great, though the preamp has a little less control than I like (it will be upgraded in a few weeks).
I can't speak for every seller on AliExpress, but Music_Heartbeat makes KILLER instruments. I recommend them if you're looking for a hand-built solid bass guitar! Specs:
Swamp ash body
Maple top
Maple/Mahogany neck
Maple Fretboard
Chinese pickups (splittable)
Chinese 2-band preamp
Generic Monorail-type bridge (16mm)
Generic Hipshot-type tuners

[@WolfRanger2008]

The review was fantastic! You articulated your likes, dislikes and general impressions of the Bass very eloquently then demonstrated with a superb display of skill. So do not nit pick your performance. You did very well.

[@ChrisKinchen]

+WolfRanger2008 Thanks a lot...I honestly wish I could be a gear reviewer, I'm not famous enough to get gear sent to me though lol!

[@kristianbuenconsejo142]

dude just keep it up! Companies will hop on after you get a little more clout

[@nmnmnm9509]

Chris Kinchen You can and you are better than many of them... A awesome black bassist with big fingers!

[@luigigunner]

And that is how you do a review, not like these morons who talk 3/4 of the video. Good job man!

[@MikMech]

Nice review ! Thanks for sticking with the same riff and no distortion. Makes comparing the tone so much easier.

[@resistenceisfutile]

Wow, nice sound for this price! And the wood resonates very well.

[@soulixier6939]

Hey Chris, your skill is astounding, so natural. Bass playing tutorials please. Really don't care what bass you use, just inspire us all with some tutorials.

[@thomasbreznik9970]

Could you add a link to the Music_Heartbeat store on Aliexpress? Thank you

[@jeremy_rigged]

Appreciated the time you took to make this review... nice playing too, was digging the groove.

[@normg2242]

I LOOOOOVE the light coloured fingerboard with no markings ...!!!

[@seti111]

Nice bass, but it's your playing that got my attention. Use of vibrato and cords was very refreshing and organic. Even the bass boost ( ? ) sounded extremely good. Might be worth your time to experiment with that tone a little. Even through the modest speakers I was using to listen, it sounded very nice. You're an awesome musician...

[@ChrisKinchen]

+seti111 Wow, thank you very much! I appreciate the encouragement... I've already replaced the preamp, I installed a John EAst Uni-Pre...made me wish all of my basses had the John East preamp! I'm going to replace those cheap pickups later in the year, and then I'll do another review of the bass. Thanks again!

[@seti111]

+Chris Kinchen " ...I'll do another review of the bass. " Excellent. Subscribed to make sure that I don't miss it.

[@narr2151]

7:03 that reminded me Thundercat's Lotus and the Jondy. Nice review and you play sweet!

[@prognosis77]

man u can really get down on that bass. sweet

[@ChrisKinchen]

+Torn Horizon 'preciate it!

[@thomastommy1192]

Thank you for your opinion and advice. I just surcibed to your channels. I think you an honest straight forward person. I like that in people. Thank you.

[@ChrisKinchen]

Thomas Tommy Thank you so much for the kind words and subscription! I just wanted to give people a real-life account on AE instruments. I've since had the bass upgraded, hopefully the new review video will be up this week. Thanks again!

[@ArtGuitarLTX]

Bass sounded good when you started playing, then you started slapping and I just smiled. 🙌🙌 damn that bass sounds great in our hands 👍👍👍👍👍😊

[@jeromemccarthy4277]

Hey man. Appreciate this review. How is the bass now, nearly 3 years on? Is it still serving you well? Im thinking about buying a cheap 6 string and changing some of the parts as well

[@sebradfield]

Great looking and sounding bass! And your review was great.

[@brucereeves6713]

Wow, love the back and build of that bass! Strong fingers on that left hand. Damn.

[@tayumapower]

THE GROOVES. THEY ARE TOO SWEET

[@BassForever44]

Don't really like the sound of the bass, but your playing is really solid!!

[@kirkmiller8858]

Looks and sounds really good. And your playing is excellent.

[@Bass.Player]

Man that bridge pick-up is growley! I like it

[@barbaraepsaro2718]

Thanks Chris great review I ordered some guitars off Ali I just got my first one today Im very pleased with it . You had a great idea building your own bass

[@daveharris514]

Sounds awesome, I bought 2 jazz basses on Aliexpress, and they're great. It looks like its got a great action, effortless playing, and that bass looks awesome.

[@batataquentequeimou3004]

What is the seller that you bought the jazz bass ?

[@WilDBeestMF]

I bought one Jazz which only needed new pickups to be awesome, and one which is firewood. Worst thing about Aliexpress 😅

[@WilDBeestMF]

​@@batataquentequeimou3004Oh man, I'd love to tell you but neither company I bought mine from exist anymore. Another downside of Ali..

[@larreetheexhortationist8878]

Exactly how much did you pay for it and how long did it take to reach you from the time you placed the order? I think you did a really good job of reviewing it.

[@bkul44]

that thing is no joke looks solid !! great job !!

[@addamsapple1233]

watched this for the review, watched it again to hear you jam again :)

[@ChrisKinchen]

Thanks man!

[@glennlopez6772]

Hi Chris! Nice concise video. 1. How does this feel in your hands compared to a 4 string with regards to responsiveness? 2. Do you have to buy a full string set? 3. Do you any thing to say about strings in general? Thanks for the video!

[@dwgraham22]

Excellent review... Excellent playing. Thanks!

[@ironrangerw6r1]

Looks nice for sure. I just picked up a wolf seven string. Love it

[@JohnBurgessMusic]

The bass looks great, though its hard to judge sound quality through video. How has the bass held up long term structurally? The ali express basses Ive seen in person seemed to be pretty solid in terms of the wood construction, but they obviously cut costs on hardware and electronics. No big deal I suppose for the price, Id be tempted to get an unfinished bass without hardware and put quality stuff on, maybe do a nice oil finish on the wood.

[@DrBliss23]

Looks and sounds like a beautiful instrument. You've lucked out with Ali Express. Nice playing too, my friend! Best wishes.

[@ChrisKinchen]

Thank you for the comment!

[@ShockMe1994]

That is some funky playing bro! Love it

[@robertstapleton3598]

I don't know about the quality of the instruments, but the review was nice and much appreciated. Plus the posts from others are helpful as well - both positive and negative. It helps paint the picture of this company. Chris, regarding the one you bought, are you not concerned that getting a wider bridge will put the strings off the fretboard where the neck meets the body? The look pretty close as is. Best to you. Bass sounds good.

[@ChrisKinchen]

+Robert Stapleton Thank you, glad I could provide a little info. From the comments it seems that you have a 50/50 chance buying these instruments. I can't find Music_Heartbeat anymore, even though I see basses using the same picture all the time on AE, so whatever that means... Concerning the bridge, the C string is right at the edge of the fretboard, so I may have to change to a more narrow string spacing, but my tech has the bass...if anyone can fix that issue he can.

[@HalJikaKick]

CAn you please provide a link to Music_Heartbeat ? I cant find them

[@davidmoreno9306]

Your playing is awesome dude !

[@d.wyndal]

Thanks for the follow-up Chris! I don't want to buy a knock-off, but there some decent Chinese instruments nowadays and I am interested in quality... although I have been tempted to buy one of the Yin-Yang basses just to take to camp wit me when I go back just to see what Victor Wooten has to say about them. ;) Stay low, Chris!

[@josephsatin5005]

Trying to reach music heartbeat through aliexpress. Can't get there. How did you find them? Joe satin

[@PEKAT_boats]

Good bass! Also ordered it! Greetings from Moscow, brother)

[@ChrisKinchen]

Boozy Garage Thank you! Have you received your bass yet? I'd be interested in hearing more about your experience with it...

[@humbertomunguia9241]

Wow está genial , cuánto tardo en llegar hasta tu domicilio? Cobran extra por grabarle logotipo ?

[@themurphrees3795]

Can you send me the link to music heartbeat, I couldn’t find them listed in aliexpresss

[@slockwood83]

Wow. Beautiful bass. Very nice playing as well. How much was the bass?

[@ChrisKinchen]

+Steve Lockwood Thank you Steve....I payed around $630 with free shipping...the John East preamp I just installed was another $300...so I'm about $900 in for pretty unique, great sounding bass...not too bad! Thanks again!

[@ianbaker2599]

Very very nice playing......I think that Dragonfly will most likely rub off over time.

[@markusm108]

that thing sounds pretty neat actually. great review too

[@daviwill5911]

Thanks Chris for the honest review. Could you elaborate a little more on your sound cabinetry and setup and pedals that you use. I'm looking to replace a lost Steinberger Fretless XT-2. Thanks for the insight on who to ask for. As far as you're playing technique reminds me of a friend who plays acoustic. I was listening to him play at outside Cafe having dinner with some friends. When I went inside he was playing his new Sire-7 Marcus Miller. He said his acoustic was in the shop.Honestly to me I thought I was listening to an Acoustic Bass. He was playing thru Phil Jones combo. So it's all about technique not so much the price of the instrument.. I'm not really a bass player . I love Basses & Bass Players. I'm more of a collector and percussionist. But the instruments I collect are in top shape and playability. I'll keep following you for your advice. Ever Funking on 🤟

[@joelcuevas6595]

thank you for the review! gonna check it out the website.

[@liquidsunshine]

great tone ! great playing ! thax I'm gonna get the 5 s version

[@wallace_nelson]

Been looking at your video but I haven't seen you using this one yet?

[@The_MarkBryce]

Hey man great playing. Is this 34 or 35 inch scale? I am about to get the same bass from AliExpress...

[@user-s1o3nr532]

Your playing is awesome tbh you could probably make anything sound good!

[@ChrisKinchen]

Thanks man, I wish!

[@kengagnon1358]

hi Chris I tried to order from aliexpress but before I could buy I had to go to product attribute page where is that,did go to specs page but still couldn't buy?

[@ChrisKinchen]

+Ken Gagnon Yeah man, I think music_heartbeat is not selling basses anymore. I can't find them myself smh...

[@rmccain99]

What is the scale? Sounds very good and did not cost $7k. This means you can afford all Bartolini internals. Sounds good like it is. How much was the bass.

[@tomivinci7998]

?it doesnt show basses when you search for Music_Heartbeat can you help

[@ChrisKinchen]

+Tomi Vinci Sorry for the late response. Music_Heartbeat is no longer selling on AliExpress...I can't find them and they haven't responded to anymore of my inquiries. I think it's safe to say they've either moved on or were shutdown by the site admins. Search for Six string butterfly logo bass and see what comes up.

[@thewhalenorman]

It's the player, not the instrument. Very cool, man!

[@doxierottenbreath5773]

Thanks for the vid Chris, nice job, but I was wondering - what type of strings are those?

[@ChrisKinchen]

doxie rottenbreath thank you for the kind words! The strings in this video came with the bass, so I don't know. If I had to guess, I'd say either some light gauge GHS boomers or something.

[@officejedi7465]

is the Toe Jam and Earl theme song??? sounds similar...anyways great review! seems to be common though with these chinese brands to replace the hardware and electronics if you want superior performance.

[@erike5066]

I think with your playing skills a stump with strings would sound good. But this looks better and it’s easy on the fingers. Cool review

[@RandomoviesAreFun23]

killer man. sweet bass, sweet playing

[@Mitata72]

So after this time....how has the bass held up??Please Sir!!??

[@jonnyevans6589]

nice bass, and well played. Thanks for sharing. But whats the deal with you right hand thumb? Its like bent all backwards at the knuckle.

[@ChrisKinchen]

Thank you and you're hilarious 😂! I'm slightly double jointed.... I can twist both of my thumbs maybe 270 degrees backwards...idk...i was born like that... Stop making fun of me lol

[@jonnyevans6589]

i've been watching right hand technique for a while now, i keep my thumb planted on my pick up(4 string). many players move over the strings and use it like a mute. so im looking at changing my approach for fast sections on the higher strings. But that thumb! i couldn't help my self. Rock on!

[@sosmooth7]

A new pre amp and a new set of p/u's and you've got yourself a pretty good bass. Good playing anyway. How was working with Ali Express? Were they reliable? What bass is that bass called I noticed that you called the Dragon Fly,but if I wanted to order it what would I order,and how much would it cost?

[@ChrisKinchen]

+Phil Spigner I"ve already replaced the preamp with a John East Uni-Pre (best preamp I've owned so far), and I'll be installing some Aguilar DC's later on in the year...I can't wait for the finished product! My personal experience with AE was superb. When I was buying the bass, the seller was very responsive and answered my question either the same or next day. AE is almost like eBay though, so buyer experiences vary greatly. I recommend Google or KZbin searching AliExpress reviews/experiences to get a full picture....I've heard some horror stories although my experience was fine. Also, the bass was literally called: Six string bass, butterfly logo, wood bass. I'd do a search for six string basses and see what comes up. The seller I bought my bass from is no longer selling on AliExpress. I've seen basses that use the same picture, so I don't know if the basses are exactly the same as mine or different. I've seen these basses for anywhere from $550- $630. Most include shipping. Best to ya!

[@sosmooth7]

+Chris Kinchen Thanks for the response. I really like your bass. For my taste, I would go with the Aguilar ODP-3 or the Norstrand 3 band EQ, They offer both these pre amps in different configurations. For p/u's I prefer the single coil sound, so the Nostrand Big Single,or the Aguilar Super Single. My next question is do you think that I could get just the body with the frets and the routing? That way I can and my own electronics.

[@ChrisKinchen]

Sounds like a killer setup! I love the Aggie OBP-3 a lot, I've had it installed in several basses! I like single coils, I just like the versatility and meatiness you can get from DC's, especially if you have a coil tap installed like I plan on doing! In response to your questions, I don't know, I'm sure if you ask one of those sellers they may sell you a bass with no electronics installed. The seller was willing to put a maple fretboard on my bass, so I'm sure they will work with you.

[@WilDBeestMF]

Hey, that aint bad as it is. Very pretty, I like the back a LOT. The pickups sound fizzy and dark to me. Lacking spank no matter what you do, considering the strings are bright. Easy fix though. Cool deal you got.

[@daviwill5911]

PS. Just realizing how old is video is. And wondering about its relevancy to covid shipping in manufacturing in China. I stopped dealing with eBay because they could not give me an exact date on when packages were arriving only a guesstimate. But being able to communicate directly with the Lutheran . And they seem to respect your wishes and suggestions of how you wanted your instrument crafted. Is very relevant still today. I commented on your honest review. Cuz I'm used to listen to reviews did by so-called backyard Luther. After hearing some comments from not only musicians who had their instruments destroyed. But from music store employees who said this person would come in and buy bass instruments . Switch out the electronics and then return the instrument. So I just started blocking his reviews. I don't trust a thief. I'd rather be able to talk to the Luther. Look him in the face, person-to-person before I turn over my instrument 🎸

[@Tiago2600]

I don't know do you link to Aliexpress from Bass?

[@mihaelguitarhero]

The prettyest bass

[@josepharmenta7889]

Bradley bobo was one of the first pioneers to play the 6 string bass

[@Xzantes]

Do you still have the bass? If so would love to hear the changes you made and how the wear has lasted!

[@jamone27]

I have the bass now

[@jonahcarston9491]

This was very helpful. What is the name of your bass head? Do you give tutorial upon request?

[@ChrisKinchen]

+Jonah Carston Thank you! The head is a Bugera Veyron...it's a beast of a head for only $399....2000w (probably closer to 1000w, but you can't beat that!). I don't consider myself prepared for tutorials yet, though I appreciate the question!

[@ticklesdust]

holy smokes, that is some talented playing!

[@Bass.Player]

I don't think that company still sells basses? Music_Heartbeat

[@MixingGBP]

Nice playing. The shape is kinda weird, but then I am totally happy with the basic Fender or MusicMan shape all day long.

[@jester92345]

If you change the bridge I suggest you change the nut too. The spacing looks a bit off on the low string to the next. Other wise cool bass man. Cheers!

[@evekearton8663]

sellers on aliexpress change quickly but as of 2018 the make is "human" and the seller forrest music store on aliexpress has the same body carving and neck joint but different hardware and block inlays which i like

[@tonycot]

hi there.... I can't find anyone on aliexpress with such name. Could you drop a link on them or maybe direct link on the instrument?

[@southernpreparedness3711]

Tony Tarasov this is the company I think. You have to kind of search for that articulate bass though. m.aliexpress.com/store/2780232

[@kimseniorb]

How’s the frets after 4 years?

[@lawrencebyrdsong7570]

Great sounding Bass the tone is in your hands you can make any sound good 🤔

[@pawkeet714]

Great review and playing

[@Bassmith1]

Put a good player on any instrument and he will make it work. You can flat out play! That hides all of the bass’s weaknesses

[@rmccain99]

Bartolini, EMG, Nordstrand, ouch $. Those stock pups you have sounded pretty good and if you replace them I would like to buy them for a project bass I am working on.

[@chrispile3878]

That's called a German carve. Look up Roger Rossmeisl - a great designer who worked for Rickenbacker, Fender, Gibson, and others.

[@UncertainJesus]

Very nice playing brother

[@MR2D2AL]

Great review, and amazing playing! Mind telling me what the list price is?

[@Amanet13]

Idk why you or many people don’t include the link to it.But nice looking bass

[@MrPalaDub]

How much did you paid for that bass, looks expensive

[@greghill5762]

Hello nice sound. what amp and cab are you using?

[@ChrisKinchen]

Thank you. I was playing through a BBC Tank 212SE and a Bugera Veyron head. I still use the Tank and I alternate between my Veyron and Eden WT800.

[@trance9158]

What gauge of strings are you using?

[@SB_vlogss]

what is the main difference between a real bass and a replica if there is any....and am i better off buying a 4 sting basic bass or a 5 string on aliexpress ?!

[@ChrisKinchen]

+young sam Somehow I didn't see that I had to approve your comment, so I'm just seeing this. Hopefully my answer will help you. First of all, I don't really agree with purchasing replica basses, especially if they are marketed as a real bass i.e. Chinese Fender replica sold as a real Fender, etc. It's almost like stealing from the real manufacturers lol. Secondly, some people would say there is no difference, while I say the difference is huge. Obviously, a replica manufacturer will not have access to or will not use genuine parts, which may be fine when it comes to wood...but will kill you in electronics. A Fender replica will not have Fender pickups or a Fender preamp...and will most likely sound nothing like a real Fender. This goes for any other replica out there, although I've heard some people say their replica bass sounds just like the real thing (I don't know how true that is...). Also, a lot of times the fit and finish of the replicas just aren't anywhere close to the real manufacturers quality. You may end up with sharp or unfinished frets, loose knobs and tuners, a nut that needs to be recut or replaced, sub-par woodwork on the body and neck, humming or buzzing from bad wiring...the list goes on and on. And you probably won't get any kind of warranty. There are plenty of basses out now, by real manufacturers, in the sub-$500 price range that you can't beat! Ibanez makes a literal slew of basses that you can't beat. The Squier Active Jazz Deluxe was a bass I liked so much I purchased three of them...on of which I STILL regret selling. This bass still costs $329. At those prices, it's almost not worth buying a replica Fender, Fodera, Rickenbaker, whatever. Hope this helps you some!

[@SB_vlogss]

+Chris Kinchen yeah it helped you've opened my eyes...OMG the active squier jazz deluxe is my dream bass got to play it and honestly I fell in love

[@memebigboy1946]

I've heard really bad things about AliExpress. Did you experience any issues?

[@BigSunn0]

i fell backwards in my chair when i realized how old this video was

[@tomek9966]

Sir, whats the weight of the bass? Thx!

[@AnnaAnnaYes]

Just kick it on Chris K!

[@raymondnakamura4278]

how much does it cost for the same copy.

[@brad092907]

Out of all of the Chinese bass reviews, you can work that thing the best. I am left-handed and noticed a 6-string MM Bongo for sale. Have you heard anything about these? Keep jammin'.

[@ChrisKinchen]

Hey Bradley, u certainly appreciate your comment. I personally haven't heard anything about the Bongo reps, so I can only go with my experience. You may get a good one, and you may possibly get a bad instrument. I think it's the risk we take buying from Aliexpress. Good luck whatever you decide

[@Tiago2600]

Man! Hello guys! You cant' talk about Bass Aliexpress? Who link this is site? Thanks man.

[@rubenhall65]

Yeah you're playing was nice but someone tell me what was the price of that bass

[@edennard1]

The harmonics are real crisp on that joint.. However I think anything that any bass you have in your hands is going to sound good..

[@marcaradamo]

beautiful sound

[@danielirvine7468]

Hey can you please repost a clip with the John east in her this is very interesting thank you for your time I have been thinking about these basses for a while but to scared lol

[@dietrichmuller172]

Hey man nice video. Can you post the link of the seller please. Can't find them. thanks.

[@Derrick8657]

Good review. Great skills.

[@tristangorin8087]

Can you link the seller?

[@chrapladm]

How has the bass been treating you?

[@tonyiommi74]

Hi man! I don't know is this bass realy good or bad (matter of taste as you know) but you are an amazing bass player!